How do I connect my Sony Mini DV Camcorder DV out to my Macbook Pro which only has lightning

Hello - I just wanted to say that I have the same question and it appears we're working with similar (or maybe the same) equipment. I have a Sony HandyCam DCR-HC36 and am looking to import videos I took with this camcorder to the MacBook Pro with Retina disply I just bought in June 2013 (OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4).

This post from Radio Shack Technical Specs made it appear like the latest MacBook Pro would be able to read video imported from this kind of camera (that uses mini dv tapes to record): http://techchannel.radioshack.com/transfer-video-sony-camcorders-apple-imac-2212 .html using a Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter and an i.Link cable. In the past I have imported movies from this same camcorder into iMovie ('08) on an older MacBook without problem as well as onto a Dell PC. For these transfers in the past, I used a cable that had a 4-Pin i.Link/1394 fitting on one side (that went into my Sony camcorder) and a 6-Pin FireWire fitting on the other side (that went into my older MacBook).

Since this new 2013 MacBook Pro only has a Thunderbolt port, I bought the Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter and then a FireWire 800 9-Pin to 4-Pin Cable (Brand Rocketfish from Best Buy) to try to hook up my Sony camcorder to the MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, I just hooked up the camera and the MacBook Pro (and iMovie '11) does not recognize the camera. I was surprised it didn't work since on the iLife '11 Help page about iLife '11 supported cameras it says "Movie ’11 works with most Mini DV tape-based camcorders using DV and HDV formats, which use a FireWire cable (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) to transfer video"

I'd really appreciate it if someone could help me find a way to successfully hook up this Sony camcorder to the MacBook Pro in a way that would allow me to continue to import and edit videos from the mini dv tapes used with this camcorder. Thank you in advance for your time!

I am having the same issue with my Sony Digital Handycam (Mini DV). Just set up the new Mac Pro. No FireWire connections, only USB and Thunderbolt. I would rather use Thunderbolt, but USB appears to be the only option. Anyone from Apple listening?

carpet72 wrote:

but don't want to waste money on cables and firewire convertors to Lightning if it won't work

Thunderbolt is the technology.

I don't have first-hand experience, but here's a discussion on another website with some people who do.

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3293137

Matt